Los Angeles is a city like no other. Located in beautiful Southern California, this iconic place could keep any traveler entertained for months on end. However, if you’re planning to spend only 2 days in LA, it’s crucial that you prioritize the top sights and attractions.
But don’t stress, because that’s where we come in. We’ve put together the ultimate itinerary for seeing LA in 2 days so that you can head home knowing that you experienced the best of this magical city.
Whether you want to explore the adventurous outdoor activities of LA, the city’s iconic theme parks, or the arty side of Hollywood, this list of things to see and do will suit every kind of traveler.
Where to Stay for Two Days in Los Angeles
First things first, you’ll need a place to stay. Since you’re already running a little low on time, it’s important that you stay somewhere central. This way, you won’t have to spend a lot of your precious time traveling between attractions.
Budget: PodShare DTLA – this popular hostel is ideal for those who want to save their cash for experiencing the city. Featuring a kitchen in every room, you’ll be able to keep your expenses low by making your own meals. Best of all, there are free bicycles for guests to use, so you can cycle to some of the nearby sites.
Mid-range: Super 8 – with free continental breakfast, comfortable beds, and an ideal downtown location, this hotel is a great option for those with a mid-range budget. And if you’re a baseball fan, Dodger Stadium is just a short walk from your door.
Splurge: The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills – if you’re looking to splash out on an incredible stay, book in at this stunning hotel. It’ll make your trip even more unforgettable, and the sumptuous luxury is ideal for a romantic getaway.
What to See in 2 Days in Los Angeles
Now that you have a place to rest your head, let’s see what will be tiring you out during the day. If you want, all of these stops can be squeezed into two days. But of course, you can also pick and choose your favorites, and take your time with those.
Griffith Park
Honeycombed with hiking trails of varying levels of difficulty, this park is an ideal place to spend an active morning. Particularly if you make it in time for sunrise. If you choose to hike to the top of the hill, where Griffith Observatory sits (which you may recognize from the film – La La Land), you’ll gain an excellent view over the city.
You’ll also be able to hike to the iconic Hollywood sign, so be sure to pack your camera and take a few shots in front of this time-tested landmark. This is definitely a memory you’ll want a few photos to reminisce with.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
If you are wondering what to see in Los Angeles in 2 days, this impressive museum certainly deserves a place on the list.
Tap into your cultural side as you browse the permanent art collection, or take a look at the interesting temporary exhibitions. The museum’s modern and contemporary sections are particularly worth a visit.
Santa Monica Pier
Located at the foot of Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica, this iconic pier is the perfect place to experience the vibrancy of the city. Grab something tasty at one of the many concession stands, and stroll down the pier with the sounds of the sea lapping the shore before the city.
You can also pop into the amusement park and hop onto the Ferris wheel. At this point, it should be sunset, so the elevation will help make for an unforgettable view.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Yet another iconic Hollywood landmark, this film studio and theme park is an unmissable stop in the City of Angels. Known as the entertainment capital of LA, it can also be considered the entertainment capital of the world. They have, after all, made the most movies out of all film studios.
Explore the studio and look out for the sets and theme rides of your favorite films. For Harry Potter fans, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a must-see. The Jurassic Park water ride is also great fun, so be sure to pack in your swimming gear on warm days.
Disneyland Park
Keeping with the theme of theme parks, spend the remainder of your day at the first Disneyland in the world. This particular Disneyland is the only theme part to have been fully constructed under the watchful eye of Walt Disney himself. It’s huge, wondrous, and a ton of fun for all ages.
Santa Monica State Beach
Wind down your day at this 3.5-mile long beach. The views of the sunset over the ocean are breathtaking, and you may find that the ocean is warm enough to take a refreshing evening dip before it gets dark.
Once the sun’s gone down, it’s time to explore the epic LA nightlife. There are a number of great bars across from the pier that serve up delicious cocktails. The Craftsman Bar and Kitchen, and The Misfit Restaurant and Bar are two of the most popular spots, and you can grab a bite to eat along with your beer.
Ready for Two Days in LA?
Armed with this epic itinerary, you’ll be able to squeeze in as many wonderful activities as your short visit allows. If you’ve been wondering what to do in Los Angeles in 2 days, it’s likely that an endless list has been running through your mind. But not everything will add to your life, nor is it possible to fit everything into a weekend.
So don’t sweat the small stuff, and rather go big. This is Hollywood after all, and Tinsel Town demands to be enjoyed to the fullest.
